The Falcon Connection
Your link to Quail Hollow Middle School | August 30, 2018
**Back to School Edition**
Important Dates
Dates are current as of publication. Check the QHMS website and social media for updates.
AUGUST
- Fri 31 Summer Reading Assignments Due
- Fri 31 Fall Sports Paperwork due to Coach Blackley
SEPTEMBER
- Mon 3 No School: Labor Day
- Tue 4 First Day of Tryouts for Fall Sports (Football, Volleyball, Golf)
- Tue 4 Softball Meeting until 5:00
- Wed 5 PTSA Meet & Greet Cameron Wood Clubhouse 5:30-7:00 pm
- Thur 6 Softball Tryouts Begin
- Thur 6 School Leadership Team Meeting 7:30-8:30 am
- Wed 12 Early Release at 1:15 for students
- Wed 19 No School: Teacher Workday
- Thur 20 Softball/Volleyball v. Crestdale at QHMS
- Mon 24 Softball/Volleyball v. Community House at Community House
- Tues 25 Documentation of Immunizations and Physical Due
- Tues 25 Curriculum Night 5:30-7:30
- Wed 26 Football v. Crestdale at QHMS
- Thur 27 Softball/Volleyball v. Southwest at Southwest
- Thur 27-Fri 28 First Quarter Progress Reports
SCHOOL NEWS
Welcome Back!
Students have also participated in Restorative Circles that will continue to happen throughout the school year. These forums are designed to help build trusting relationships with students and adults.
We appreciate everyone's patience with bus transportation as routes are being refined during the beginning of the year. Don't forget to check out the Here Comes the Bus App to know where your student's bus is! More info can be found later in this edition.
Don't forget to turn in all of your back to school paperwork to your homeroom teacher if you have not already done so! You can also download the forms here.
The Falcon Connection is a resource full of information for families and students. This year, it will be published every other week. This is a special back to school edition, so look for the next issue next week! Make sure to check out the "Get Connected" section for club and activity opportunities for your student as well as looking in the "Lend a Hand" section to see how families can also get connected! These sections are updated every edition, so keep looking for more opportunities! Middle School flies by-- don't wait to join in!
Required Immunizations & Physicals
Children entering school in N.C. are required to present a completed immunization record on the first day of school (G.S. 130A-155). Students must be up to date on required immunizations. Any student new to NC public schools is also required to submit a Health Assessment (Physical Exam) completed within 12 months prior to the first day of school entry. If not in compliance with the laws related to immunizations or health assessments, parents are to be given a “Notice of Deficiency” letter. After 30 calendar days from the first day of school entry, the principal shall exclude the student from school, in accordance with North Carolina law, until proof of immunization or health assessment is provided. All documentation is due Tuesday, September 25th.
Mecklenburg County Health Department currently has on-going immunization clinics with open appointments designated for school immunizations. Call now to schedule an appointment at any of their 3 locations (704) 336-6500.
Here Comes the Bus App
Want to know where your student's bus is in real-time?! Download the Here Comes the Bus App and see where the bus is!
Here Comes the Bus is a school bus tracking app that can simplify morning and afternoon routines for parents and students by giving them real-time bus location and text or email notification alerts to help get them to the bus stop on time. Here Comes the Bus utilizes our GPS data and an easy to use customizable map that works on a computer, tablet or smartphone.
Signing up is EASY! On your desktop computer, you can sign up at https://herecomesthebus.com/getting-started/. You will need the district code (73877) and your student's ID number to sign up. For your smartphone or tablet, download the Here Comes the Bus app from the App Store or Google Play.
Once activated, you can customize or edit features, including how the app will communicate with you and the size of the notification radius around your bus stop.
Pro Tip: If you used the app last year, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the app for all of the features to work!
The Student Services Team wants to hear from you!
The 2018 Collaborative Student Services Team (CSST) wants to hear from you! The purpose of our CSST is to maximize student services and the supports we provide to our Falcons. Please take a moment and complete the survey below or click here to help improve the comprehensive programs at our school. Thank you!
Save the Date: Early Release
PE Uniforms
Parent Info Session
Dress Code
Free Meals for All Students!
Summer Reading and Math Assignments
Do we have your info?
GET CONNECTED! JOIN CLUBS, ACTIVITIES & SPORTS AT QH!
Fall Sports
Tryouts will begin Tuesday, September 4th from 4:30 to 6:00 for golf, volleyball, and football. Softball will begin on Thursday. All questions regarding Fall Sports should be directed to Coach Blackley.
Chess Club
Open to all Students 6th-8th
Mondays 4:30-5:30 Starting October 1st *Students must have a ride*
Tournament Trips planned for later in the year!!!
Interested? Email ASAP! Kennethl.dailey@cms.k12.nc.us
Come see Mr. Dailey! Location: A14
Join Boy Scouts in Pineville
MEET THE QUAIL HOLLOW TEAM
Student Services
Mrs. Glass
Hello Falcons! My name is Mrs. Glass and I will be your 6th Grade Counselor and Counseling Co-Department Chair. I look forward to serving our falcons for a third year! I am a graduate of Queens University of Charlotte, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. I also attended The University of Georgia and received my Master's Degree in Education with a focus on Professional Counseling. I am married to a wonderful Husband, am a dog mom to a cute toy poodle and have a daughter on the way! I love to dance and teach tap dancing. I also enjoy traveling, exploring new places and learning about new cultures. I look forward to working with you on any social/emotional, academic, or college/career needs you may have! Let's have a great year together!
Mrs. Thompson
Hi Falcons! My name is Mrs. Thompson and I am your 8th Grade School Counselor. This is my second year at The Hollow and I am so excited to be serving our falcons! I am a proud Double Dawg, as I attended The University of Georgia for both my Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Sciences and my Master's Degree in Professional School Counseling. I am still relatively new to the Charlotte area and have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the city and all of the amazing shops and restaurants. I look forward to a great year and helping students reach their highest potential!
Ms. Stevens
Hello Falcons! My name is Ms. Stevens and I will be your 7th Grade School Counselor. I am excited to be returning for my 2nd year at the Hollow and 15th year in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. I am originally from South Carolina but have called Charlotte home for many years. I received my Bachelor Degree from Francis Marion University in Psychology, my Professional Teaching License in Special Education from UNCC, and my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University. I am a huge sports fanatic! I played basketball in college and now I enjoy playing beach/sand volleyball in my spare time. I also enjoy watching all sports, spending time with friends and family, and traveling to California, where I lived for 3 years. Middle School students are my passion and I look forward to getting to know every student and helping each one reach his or her fullest potential.
Ms. Grom
Emily Grom is the School Counselor Intern at QHMS! Ms. Grom graduated from Winthrop University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and after a brief career in Marketing Research, she decided that she was missing something in her life and wanted to work with kids. She began working as an Applied Behavioral Analysis therapist for kids with autism and she holds a special place in her heart for those kiddos. During this time, Ms. Grom realized that she wanted to be a school counselor, so she began the Masters of School Counseling program at UNC Charlotte in May 2018. Besides being in the school setting, Ms. Grom loves to relax with her fiancé and her 2 fur babies - a 3 year old beagle, Abbey, and a kitten, Monty. She is excited to be here for the 2018-2019 school year!
Ms. Gabriel
Hello! I am Quail Hollow’s school social worker. I am originally from Nashville, TN. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University and received my graduate degree in Social Work at the University of Tennessee. I have been a social worker for 10 years. I have previously worked at Tuckaseegee Elementary here in Charlotte and in Rowan County at Henderson Alternative High School. I am so excited to be here at Quail Hollow! I will be supporting students and families with school attendance as well as any other social/emotional supports that are needed. I am married and I have 2 little boys, one just began second grade and the other is 3. I am looking forward to a great school year here at Quail Hollow!
LEND A HAND, SUPPORT QHMS
You're Invited: PTSA Meet and Greet!
Join us on Sept. 5 for a Meet and Greet with the PTSA to kick the Quail Hollow Middle School year off! Officers will be on hand to answer questions, and we'll discuss the work the PTSA does to help QHMS throughout the year. The budget will be available for review and vote. We'll also vote on 2018-2019 School Leadership Team (SLT) members. All are invited!
Date and Time: Sept. 5; gather @ 5:30, vote @ 6 pm.
Address: Cameron Wood Swim & Racquet Club, 3228 Birnen Dr, Charlotte, NC 28210
Questions: Stephanie Klapheke, 704-685-2702
Proud to be Falcons! Join the Booster Club and register to win your child a Quail Hollow hoodie!
Your Booster Club funds go directly to Quail Hollow sports programs, to supplement our physical education department and growing school spirit!
Forms to join Booster Club are in the front office or went home with your child this week. Return the form to the front office or their homeroom teacher.
If you are interested in volunteering or would like specific information on what the Booster Club supports please contact Sara Harb at scharb2317@gmail.com
GO FALCONS!
Lighthouse Team Looking for Parent Team Members
School Leadership Team Needs YOU!
It's time to re-link your Harris Teeter VIC Card!
PTSA Needs YOU!
The Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) is looking for support in a variety of positions. Take a look at the available positions and please consider volunteering for the 2018-2019 school year. Positions can be split across multiple people if you want to tag-team with a friend.
- Indoor Beautification Chairperson/Team: We are looking for a creative person or people to create bulletin boards, maintain the staff photo display, and manage other indoor beautification efforts. We want to celebrate leadership throughout the school!
- Affinity Night Chairperson: This fundraising role will plan eat out nights with local businesses such as TCBY, McDonald’s, and Rusty’s Deli. Planning includes data selection and coordination with other school events, communication to Quail families and collection of our percentage of the evening’s proceeds
- Field Day Chairperson: Help plan and pull off Field Day celebrations. Involves snacks and waters and assisting in game planning/supplies.
- Prospective Parents: Help us spread the news about Quail! Help plan Open Houses and School Tours and get the word out to families.
- Sunshine Committee Chairperson/Team: Help spread happiness and support. Manage the purchase and distribution of monthly cupcakes to staff, flowers and cards when grief or joy hits close to home, and share other reminders that the Quail staff is supported.
- Valentine’s Day Dance Chairperson: This is an annual event that needs planning. Help the kids have a great Valentine's Day with pizza, drinks, and a DJ!
TopGolf Golf Tournament to Benefit QHMS at Ashley Park PreK-8!
NEW NAME: Amazon Smile *Quail Hollow School PTA*
Proud Falcon yard signs
Tell ‘Em QHMS Sent You! “The Rusty Onion” Gives Back!
CMS NEWS & EDUCATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
After School Programs at the Harris YMCA
Livable Meck
Voice of the Community is hosting neighborhood forums throughout Mecklenburg County. QHMS families and neighbors are encouraged to attend a forum in the community and there are two nearby options!
The first is Thursday, September 13 from 10am-11:30am at Southminster. The event is free and a light breakfast will be provided. You can register here!
Another option is Tuesday, September 25 from 5:30-7:00 and light refreshments will be provided. The event is hosted by the Town of Pineville at The Hut. You can register here!
You can learn more about Livable Meck here on Facebook or Twitter, and watch the video below!
Water Quality and Testing at CMS
The safety and well-being of students and staff is a top priority. Water quality is a topic of utmost concern and this concern is exactly why CMS is testing water in schools and taking action if needed so that our water remains safe. We look forward to continuing to update and share information with all families and the community as this effort continues.
Goals and testing
Our goal is to test and take action as needed to repair, replace or remove any problem fixtures. We will do this first in all elementary schools, then middle schools and high schools during this school year. This work is being conducted with the leadership and guidance of outside experts. We began the testing in our elementary schools built before 1989 because older fixtures are more likely to need replacement and younger children are most affected by water-quality issues.
Communicating with you
As this water quality program moves forward, we will share information with families, parents and the community clearly and in multiple ways. We want to ensure you receive information that is timely, accessible and accurate on the results and actions taken at individual schools.
Information we will share
- Timeline for testing overall in all remaining elementary, middle and high schools
- Begin and end dates for testing at your school
- Results, analysis any changes/repairs/corrections made at your school
- Email and mail to your home address
- Connect5 calls
- CMS Water Quality Website
- Regular updates on CMS social media Facebook and Twitter accounts
- Discussions with school groups
Learn more
You can learn more about this water quality program, including testing procedures, results from tested schools and FAQs at the CMS and Water Quality page. It’s accessible from the CMS website at http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/News/Pages/CMS-and-water-quality-in-schools.aspx. We have summarized the findings to date below for your convenience. Anyone with questions about water quality testing results in CMS schools can email EHS@cms.k12.nc.us for more information.
Important Facts to Know
No school tested has shown levels of lead and/or copper in the general water supply above EPA guidelines. Individual fixtures within some schools exceeded the EPA alert level. Of 1,679 water samples collected across 58 schools, 3 percent (53 total) in 27 schools showed lead above EPA alert levels. All of these fixtures were replaced, repaired or removed.
All of these fixtures were replaced, repaired or removed. Most of the fixtures had not been in use for some time or were in areas that students and staff did not regularly access. Repaired and replaced fixtures have been retested and the water from them has been within EPA recommended levels.
Community experts have been asked for their opinion about levels of concern. Any amount of lead in water is undesirable. The EPA has set a level of 15 ppm (parts per million) as an alert level, meaning further testing and remediation should be done – these are the guidelines being followed by CMS with the guidance of independent, third-party experts. Area media outlets consulted other environmental experts and asked them to review the CMS testing data by area media outlets. Please see their comments below along with links for each story.
WCNC 8/2/18
Full story: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/the-defenders-dozens-of-cms-schools-report-high-lead-levels/275-579787935
“As someone who has a child at CMS, I'm not overly concerned,” said Pillar. “What I saw in there would be almost no different than someone having their home tested and then addressing it.” Dr. Greg Pillar, Associate professor, Environmental Science and Chemistry at Queens University.
Charlotte Observer 8/13/18
Full story: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/education/article216302980.html
“Two independent experts who reviewed the CMS report at the Observer’s request also said it’s unlikely that anyone took in enough lead from the school water sources to cause health problems.
- “You’re probably taking a bigger chance driving to (school) than you are drinking the water once you get there,” said M. Todd Coolbaugh, an assistant chemistry professor at Johnson C. Smith University who specializes in materials science.
- “It sounds like the risk is low,” said Stephen Graham, environmental health program manager for the Mecklenburg Health Department. The [Mecklenburg] health department investigates when doctors find lead poisoning or elevated lead levels in any Mecklenburg County child. Graham said the department gets about a dozen such cases a year and has not found any in the past three years where the children ingested the lead from water or where a school was the source of the problem. All cases traced back to consumer products (such as spices and incense) or lead-based paint, Graham said.”
Let Us Know about Amazing Falcons, QH News, or Share Photos!
Email: jaimes.mccaughna@cms.k12.nc.us
Website: http://schools.cms.k12.nc.us/quailhollowMS/Pages/Default.aspx
Location: 2901 Smithfield Church Road, Charlotte, NC, United States
Phone: 980-343-3620
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuailHollowMiddleSchool
Twitter: @QuailHollowMS